By Shane Phelan

Lawyers representing the families affected by the Berkeley balcony tragedy said they are continuing to pursue lawsuits over the disaster after it was revealed that no-one will face criminal proceedings.

Lawyers representing the families affected by the Berkeley balcony tragedy said they are continuing to pursue lawsuits over the disaster after it was revealed that no-one will face criminal proceedings.

The collapse, which occurred in the early hours of June 16 2015, claimed the lives of six Irish students and seriously injured seven more.

The Irish students killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse: Eoghan Culligan, Nick Schuster, Lorcán Miller, Eimear Walsh and Olivia Burke, all 21 years old and friends from south Dublin. The sixth fatality is Irish-American Ashley Donohoe (22), from California.

The five Irish students who died were all from south Dublin - medical students and friends Lorcan Miller and Eimear Walsh; Olivia Burke, who went to school with Eimear; Niccolai Schuster, who was at the same college as Lorcan and Eimear, and his friend from school Eoghan Culligan.

Irish-American Ashley Donohoe, who lived in California and was a cousin of Olivia's, also died.

The students were on J1 working visas for the summer and were among 40 people attending a birthday party when the balcony collapsed.

"The civil justice system and the criminal justice system operate independently, and the District Attorney's decision which was announced today in no way hinders or negatively affects the probability of success in the ongoing civil litigation," said Michael Kelly, of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly and Schoenberger in San Francisco.

The lawyer also said it had been widely expected that no criminal action would be launched.

Two students comfort each other at the scene of the Berkeley balcony collapse

Mourners cry as the caskets of cousins Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, are placed in hearses following services at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif. on Saturday, June 20, 2015. Olivia, an Irish national and Ashley, an American, died with others while celebrating a birthday when a balcony collapsed at a Berkeley, Calif. apartment complex on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

The coffin of Olivia Burke arrives at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. She died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The flag of St Mary's College in Rathmines is carried during the funeral of Niccolai Schuster at The Church of the Three Patrons in Rathgar, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. He died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

GAA commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh attends the funeral of Niccolai Schuster at The Church of the Three Patrons in Rathgar, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. He died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The coffin of Olivia Burke arrives at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. She died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Olivia Burke arrives at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. She died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Olivia Burke arrives at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. She died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Singer Hozier at the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, where he was due to perform at the funeral service of Olivia Burke. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2015. She died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eoghan Culligan is carried during his funeral at the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham in Dublin, after he died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mourners leave after the funeral of Eimear Walsh at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. Eimar died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh leaves Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, after his funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. Eimar died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh leaves Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, after his funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. Eimar died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh leaves Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, after her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. Eimar died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh leaves Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, after her funeral service. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. Eimar died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh arrives at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for her funeral after she died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Mourners gather at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for the funeral of Eimear Walsh who died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Mourners gather at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for the funeral of Eimear Walsh who died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eimear Walsh arrives at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock, Dublin, for his funeral after he died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The coffin of Eoghan Culligan is carried during his funeral at the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham in Dublin, after he died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The coffin of Eoghan Culligan is carried during his funeral at the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham in Dublin, after he died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Paul Burke places items on top of his daughter's casket during a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

The Burke family from right, father Paul, mother Paula and brother Gavin look on during a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Monsignor Dan Whelton gives his condolences to the Burke family from right, father Paul and mother Paula Burke and brother Gavin Burke during funeral services for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Ashley Donohoe looks at her sister's casket during a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Friends and family gather for a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Olivia Burke's brother Gavin Burke holds consoles his mother Paula Burke as Paul burke looks on during a service for Olivia and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Olivia Donohoe's brother Gavin Burke, left, stands with his parents Paul Burke and Paula Burke as they watch a funeral worker tend to the casket of Ashley Donohoe, following services for Donohoe, 22, and Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Pallbearers, including Ashley Donohoe's father George Donohoe, right, carry her casket to a waiting hearse following services for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Pallbearers, including Olivia Burke's brother Gavin Burke, left, wheel out her casket following services for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

From left, parents George and Jackie Donohoe with their daughter Amanda Donohoe pray during services for Ashley Donohoe, 22, and Olivia Burke, 21 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Mourners pray during services for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Friends and family gather for a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Caskets of Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, are set in front of the altar before a service at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Funeral directors transport the body of an Irish student who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed, Friday, June 19, 2015 in Oakland Calif. Caskets bearing four of the six victims arrived at St. Columba Catholic Church for a vigil Friday afternoon. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A funeral director transports the body of an Irish student who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed, Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. Caskets bearing four of the six victims arrived at St. Columba Catholic Church for a vigil Friday afternoon. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Mourners embrace following an open casket vigil for four Irish students who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed on Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. The fourth floor balcony at the Library Gardens apartment complex detached early Tuesday morning killing six and injuring seven during a 21st birthday party. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Jimmy Deenihan, Ireland's Minister of State for the Diaspora, leaves an open casket vigil for four Irish students who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed, Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Pallbearers attend to the caskets of Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, before a service at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Pallbearers attend to the caskets of Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, before a service at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Jackie Donohoe places items on top of her daughter's casket during a service for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Gavin Burke, second from right, brother of Olivia Burke holds his head in his hands as his fatter Paul Burke looks down during services for Olivia Burke, 21, and Ashley Donohoe, 22, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Cotati, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The two woman were among the several people killed on Tuesday when a balcony snapped off the fifth floor of a Berkeley apartment building during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Michael Short)

Funeral directors transport the body of an Irish student who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed, Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. Caskets bearing four of the six victims arrived at St. Columba Catholic Church for a vigil Friday afternoon. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A man holds his head during a memorial service for six Irish students at the Cathedral of Christ the Light Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. The six Irish students died when a balcony collapsed during a party in Berkeley. (AP Photo/Beck Diefenbach)

Mourners embrace following an open casket vigil for four Irish students who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed, Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Funeral directors transport the body of an Irish student who died Tuesday when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed on Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. Caskets bearing four of the six victims arrived at St. Columba Catholic Church for a vigil Friday afternoon. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Mourners arrive at a vigil for four Irish students who died when a Berkeley apartment balcony collapsed on Friday, June 19, 2015, in Oakland Calif. The balcony at Berkeley's Library Gardens apartment complex detached early Tuesday morning killing six during a birthday party. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the public queue to sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A member of the public arrives to sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin's city centre for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 20, 2015. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Tributes left in a book of condolence in the chapel at St Mary's College in Rathmines, Dublin, where UCD students Niccolai Schuster and Eoghan Culligan studied before they were killed in a balcony collapse in the US. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. The victims - five from Ireland and one from California - plunged to their deaths while celebrating a 21st birthday party in Berkeley. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A flag flies at half mast at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin, to honour the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. The victims - five from Ireland and one from California - plunged to their deaths while celebrating a 21st birthday party in the US city. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Books of condolence for the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse are opened at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. The victims - five from Ireland and one from California - plunged to their deaths while celebrating a 21st birthday party in the US city. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Candles are lit in memory of the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. The victims - five from Ireland and one from California - plunged to their deaths while celebrating a 21st birthday party in the US city. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A list of the names of the victims beside a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin opened in memory of those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Messages written by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina in a book of condolence opened at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke (right) invites members of the public to sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

President Michael D Higgins signs a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Lord Mayor Christy Burke (left) watches as President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2015. See PA story IRISH Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mourners attend the funeral of Eoghan Culligan at the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham in Dublin, after he died when a balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 23, 2015. See PA story FUNERAL Balcony. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

People react during a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. AFP/Getty Images

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina whoi attended a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost their lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People gather for a mass at UCD this afternoon for the young Irish students who lost thir lives in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness signing a book of condolence at the Mansion House following the deaths of the young Irish students in the Berkeley tragedy. Pic:Mark Condren
19.6.2015

People stand in silence at a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. AFP/Getty Images

Members of the public queue to sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Tributes left in a book of condolence in the chapel at St Mary's College in Rathmines, Dublin, where UCD students Niccolai Schuster and Eoghan Culligan studied before they were killed in a balcony collapse in the US. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

A woman holds a candle during a candlelight vigil at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park to mourn the loss of six students who died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A flag flies at half mast at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin, to honour the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Books of condolence for the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse are opened at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Candles are lit in memory of the victims of the Berkeley balcony collapse at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church in Foxrock, Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Members of the public sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina sign a book of condolence at Mansion House in Dublin for those killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

The Irish students killed in the Berkeley balcony collapse: Eoghan Culligan, Nick Schuster, Lorcán Miller, Eimear Walsh and Olivia Burke, all 21 years old and friends from south Dublin. The sixth fatality is Irish-American Ashley Donohoe (22), from California.

People react during a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of the balcony that sent six young Irish nationals plummeting to their deaths. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

People react during a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of the balcony that sent six young Irish nationals plummeting to their deaths. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

A crowd of people stand in silence at a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of a balcony at a California apartment building, sending five Irish citizens and an Irish-American woman plummeting to their deaths, media reports said on June 17. At least seven other people were injured in the accident in Berkeley, which took place in the early hours of June 16 during a 21st birthday party. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

People place candles at a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of a balcony at a California apartment building, sending five Irish citizens and an Irish-American woman plummeting to their deaths, media reports said on June 17. At least seven other people were injured in the accident in Berkeley, which took place in the early hours of June 16 during a 21st birthday party. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

People place candles and signs at a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of a balcony at a California apartment building, sending five Irish citizens and an Irish-American woman plummeting to their deaths, media reports said on June 17. At least seven other people were injured in the accident in Berkeley, which took place in the early hours of June 16 during a 21st birthday party. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Young friends attend a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015.

People embrace at a memorial for those who lost their lives after a balcony gave way in Berkeley, California on June 17, 2015. Dry rot and overcrowding could be responsible for the collapse of a balcony at a California apartment building, sending five Irish citizens and an Irish-American woman plummeting to their deaths, media reports said on June 17. At least seven other people were injured in the accident in Berkeley, which took place in the early hours of June 16 during a 21st birthday party. AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJosh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

BERKELEY, CA - JUNE 17: A man cries during a candlelight vigil at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park to mourn the loss of six students who died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BERKELEY, CA - JUNE 17: A woman looks at a makeshift memorial outside of an apartment where six students died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BERKELEY, CA - JUNE 17: A man looks at a makeshift memorial outside of an apartment where six students died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BERKELEY, CA - JUNE 17: People gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park to mourn the loss of six students who died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BERKELEY, CA - JUNE 17: People hold candles as they gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park to mourn the loss of six students who died in an early Tuesday morning balcony collapse on June 17, 2015 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for six students who were killed, five of which were in the United States on J1 work visas from Ireland, when a balcony they were standing on collapsed during a birthday party in their Berkeley, California apartment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Emotional tributes have been paid to the tragic students (AP)

Eoghan Culligan and his girlfriend Sarah McCarthy

Neil Sands of the Irish Network Bay Area places a flag of Ireland over wreaths at the Library Gardens apartment complex in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday, June 16, 2015 (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A woman leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial for victims of a balcony that collapsed in Berkeley (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Newspapers in the student centre in University College Dublin where three of the six students studied before they were killed in a balcony collapse in the US. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

The remaining wood from the Library Gardens apartment building balcony that collapsed is shown in Berkeley (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A worker measures near the remaining wood from an apartment building balcony that collapsed in Berkeley (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Irish flag, flowers and a sign are shown at a shrine left for victims of the Library Gardens apartment building balcony collapse Wednesday, June 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A man who did not give his name looks at photographs, cards and flowers from a shrine for victims from the Library Gardens apartment building balcony collapse in Berkeley (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A crew works on the balcony which collapsed, killing six people

Police at the scene of a balcony collapse at an apartment building near UC Berkeley on June 16, 2015 in Berkeley (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A group stands in the lobby at Highland Hospital, where some victims from a balcony that collapsed were taken (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

People gather at the scene of a balcony collapse in Berkeley (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Flowers and a cigarette box form a makeshift shrine near the area where a fourth floor balcony collapsed in Berkeley (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Police examine the scene of a balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

He said complicating factors included the potential for a number of people or companies being responsible over a ten-year period.

"The families and students are grateful to the District Attorney for the time, effort and expense invested in the process of evaluation," Mr Kelly said.

He said the DA's inquiry was thorough and careful.

"Much of the information generated, the facts developed, the witnesses identified and the evidence collected in the criminal investigation will benefit the bereaved families and the injured students as they now prosecute the civil actions that have been filed," he said.

"The prosecution of the civil cases will permit our clients to achieve their primary goals: uncovering the truth, publicly identifying the wrongdoers, and holding accountable those responsible for the damage, loss and suffering they have caused, and bringing about changes to residential construction industry practices that will prevent such a needless tragedy from recurring in the future."

Earlier today it was revealed No one will face charges over the Berkeley balcony collapse, which claimed the lives of six Irish students and seriously injured seven more.

The news was announced by a district attorney in California following a nine-month investigation into the tragedy.

Alameda County DA Nancy O’Malley said there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal manslaughter charges against any one individual or company.

Ms O’Malley said the likely cause of the tragedy - water being trapped in the balcony deck during construction, leading to dry rot – had been established.

She said there appeared to be many contributory causes of this, including the types of material that were used and the very wet weather Berkeley experienced during the months of construction.

“The responsibility for this failure likely extends to many of the parties involved in the construction or maintenance of the building,” she said.

However, Ms O’Malley said proving beyond a reasonable doubt that any one party was guilty of manslaughter would not be possible.

“In order to file a manslaughter case based on criminal negligence, the district attorney must be satisfied that any defendant or defendants acted with gross or reckless conduct akin to a disregard for human life, and that the deadly consequences of those actions were reasonably foreseeable,” she said.

“Any such charges would have to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to twelve impartial jurors, all of whom must unanimously agree.

“Having carefully considered all the known evidence, and conducting an in-depth legal analysis based on expert opinion, the office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to bring criminal manslaughter charges against any one individual or company.”

Ms O’Malley said it was not a decision she had taken lightly.

“It is the culmination of months of consultation with my team of attorneys. It follows extensive review of reports, both legal and factual, and numerous meetings with investigators and experts.”

In making the announcement, Ms O’Malley said she was keenly aware of the devastation suffered by the victims and their families.

“Not a day has passed since the tragedy of June 16 that I have not thought of the victims and their families,” she said.

“Friends, families and entire communities both in California and in Ireland have been affected by the horror of that day.”

Ms O’Malley said that over the past nine months her office had devoted substantial resources to determining the cause of the collapse, the extent to which the collapse was foreseeable and the degree of culpability that may attach to the various parties involved.

“An assigned team of experienced prosecutors and investigators has been aided in this work by investigators from multiple state agencies, including the California Contractors State License Board, the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, and the California Board of Architects.

“Industry experts in the fields of structural engineering, waterproofing and architecture have participated extensively in this investigation.

“In addition to working closely with these industry experts, this office’s investigation encompassed extensive witness interviews, and careful review of building plans, logs, inspection records and maintenance records.”

Ms O’Malley said a central component of the investigation involved the “destructive testing” of the balconies and the building itself.

An outside construction company was retained to carefully transport the balconies to a warehouse specially set up so the testing and analysis could be conducted.

“To ensure transparency and avoid prejudice, this testing was observed by representatives of the victims and their families, as well as representatives of the many different companies involved in the construction, maintenance, and ownership of this apartment complex,” she said.

“After studying the balcony remnants and reviewing forensic lab reports, experts working with this office believe that the primary reason the balcony collapsed was because water had been trapped in the balcony deck during construction, leading to eventual and extensive dry rot damage.”

Ms O’Malley said the families of the dead and injured were informed prior to her announcement today.

In a statement the Republic's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said his thoughts were "first and foremost with the families of the six young people who lost their lives in Berkeley last June.

His said his department will "carefully consider" the details of the District Attorney's findings.

He said that the investigation "shone a vital kught on the circumstances and factors that contributed directly and indirectly to the collapse of the balcony".

Mr Flanagan also said that the investigation was an "important step in a process, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure that a tragedy such as Berkeley never occurs again".